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HELP! I NEED A LITTLE DECOR ADVICE

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

This is a 911 decorating call! I need H-E-L-P!!!!Please pardon the poor quality of some of the images. I took these at 6:30 this morning.

The Story:

Last year I purchased 4 Belgian linen curtains panels in "Oat" for my family room from a Restoration Hardware Outlet. It was black Friday and I got a fabulous deal. I just love the look and the feel of these drapes!

I also purchased the only other 2 Oat panels they had, thinking that when I re-did my kitchen that I would cut them apart and make a valance or topper for the windows in the eating area off the kitchen that connects to the family room.

I bought enough rods for all of the windows (thinking ahead).

The Decor Dilemma:

I have added rattan shades to the windows in the eating area and over the sink in my kitchen and I really like them. The afternoon and evening sun pours through these windows and filtering the light with these shades makes such a difference. But now a topper would not look good at all with the shades.

Drapes would dress up this area and give it polished look.

BUT... I only purchased 2 panels and need 4!!!!

I checked out the Restoration Hardware site and my Oat Opaque linen drapes are no longer in stock. I am in the process of calling every RH outlet store, but so far... no luck. Been on E-bay too!

This would not be such a problem, but my family room drapes are less than 10 feet away!

How can I utilize the 2 panels I have?

Here's What I Am Thinking:

1~ the drapes are 50" wide and my windows are relatively narrow. Cut them in half and use clips and rings to attach them to the rod. The curtains would be the same color, fabric and style as the family room curtains with a little twist. But even on the rings, would they look to skimpy? Skimpy drapes are not attractive!

2~ order 2 more panels from RH close to a color of the original ones purchased (probably in "sand"). Cut all the panels in half and french seam them together to make a muted striped drape. This would bring the same color and style as the family room drapes into the eating area and might give this area some added interest. But it is a costly gamble. These drapes are not inexpensive.

Not An Option:

1~ Do nothing.

2~ ordering new drapes in a different color for my eating area.

3~ ordering new drapes for the whole area. The cost would be about $1,300.00. I could use that decorating money elsewhere.

83 comments:

Yvonne, this is your HOME. Do it the right way or you will never be happy.Above all things, continuity. Breaking up the space with different window treatments does not seem like an option to me. In winter you will be happy to have draperies there.I am SO happy to learn you made a slight miscalculation, now you are truly my soul sister !!!!xx's

Oh no, what a dilemma. I would order some muted striped drapes, then I would cut up the RH hardware drapes and make a little flounce of about 12" or so that I would sew to the tops of the striped drapes. That way, you have the same material being carried through the rooms. I wouldn't try and find something similar in color since they wouldn't be exactly the same. I would introduce something completely different and then meld the two together :)

If you cut them in half and put them up and they look too skimpy you are already half-way to your second option so you've lost nothing if you don't like it. I thought I liked the idea of cutting them in half until I read the idea about french seaming them to another set to create a bit of interest. Both seem like fantastic ideas.

Perhaps you could cut the two extra pair of drapes in half lengthwise, sew up the raw edges and hang them. You should then have enough for your windows they would just not be as full as the ones in the other room. Or if you don't think that could work you could take one of the drapes with you to other stores and see if you can find something in a similar shade and texture at one of the other stores.

I agree with Splenderosa, its your home and you have to be happy with it. If you do split the panels and you find them too skimpy, then you could always add to them with the border as suggested. Have fun deciding this one! :)'hugs from afar'

How about choosing a good color that would work in your room in a similiar fabrci (lets say darker oatmeal or navy as an example) and make a very thick "frame" for your panels which you could cut in half, and you would have a thick "border"of the darker fabric on one side, or even both sides. I could totally see that and am sure if you google this you will plenty of great examples on the web. Also on the seam where the two fabrics would meet, you could add a nice gimp or fabric tape to have it really look polished and no one would ever know. Good luck just be sure whatever you do, that you really love it and are not settling, because if you are anything like me, it will nudge away at you if you don't love it all the way!

I would do nothing but add the blinds to the family room, but it appears that you are not thrilled with this idea or you wouldn't be asking. You might wait to see how the blinds in the family room look to see if it changes your mind.

Since your windows flank the doors why not try one panel for each window. You could let them hang or drape them to the side opposite the door. The integrity of the drape is preserved and nothing lost but a little time.

Cut in half lengthwise - this will work especially if you don't plan on closing them. Or option 2 cut in half the other way and sewing a pocket on top of the cut halves. Now add another color on the bottom half to make them long enough. I did this with pottery barn clearance curtains that weren't long enough for my son's room

I'm thinking that the full drapes might be too much on those windows with the door right there. If it were me trying to figure this out at my home, I would probably try putting the drapes up and seeing if they would even look right, even if I had to 'borrow' a few from the other room just to see.It is hard to tell, not being there but maybe 'curtains' made with the panels? Or, how about trying one panel on each window and drape over to one side. I am just brainstorming right now.I would 'not' try to match with another 'close' color or fabric.Brainstorming again...you might go with something else all together, like white curtains (not drapes) to go with woodwork, but that would be like you are making a room totally separate from the other room..what is your window treatment above your sink? Can't wait to see what you end up with!

I am not a great decorator at all, hence after years here still no satifactory window treatment on the main floor. I, like you, do not like skimpy drapes. Looks cheap and not done well. Have you considered a different material totally? Otherwise, though you are ready to be done, believe me I know about that, waiting for the inspiration or just right fabric might be the answer.

Imagining the wall to be one continuous window, why don't you use small rods and hang one to the left of one window and to the right of the other? I think it would look good. Maybe use some wrought iron pieces above the door and windows to tie it together.

Cut them in half. I don't think they'd be as skimpy as you think, Yvvonne. Are they going to be non-moving panels? If they are going to be open all the time {since you have the shade for privacy and light control} I think they will be fine. You could add black ribbon to the edging to tie in with the black banding on the area rug and the black in your sink light fixture. It wouldn't add anything width wise, but might just make it look visually more "weighty".

Bonjour Yvonne,I like your option #2, a muted stripe would be a nice look I think. Play around with things before you make the cut - just in case. Bonne chance abd don't worry it will be beautiful when you're finished! Hope you are feeling good too, been praying for a speedy recovery.Big hug,Mimi

I like the idea you had of adding more fabric to the panels to make a muted stripe... but who's to say that you have to get them from RH? Places like JC Penney has panels on sale all the time, or try a discount fabric store like Cutting Corners. I have even used table cloths! And instead of adding fabric the sides of the panels, how about creating 3 wide horizontal stripes by adding fabric to the top and bottom of the RH panels?For example, use the RH fabric in the middle (where your eye would be drawn to) and another fabric at the top and bottom... cutting the 2 panels that you have in half to make 4 would give you the original width, and you would just have to sew your complimentary fabric above and below.

How about forgetting the 2 windows and using the panels to "drape" the French door instead? Since I can see your hinges, I believe you door opens "in"which isn't ideal for this application but it could still work as the draperies would need to be held clear of the door swing. Think of it as an opportunity to just add a layer of interest and texture, not really working drapery but more like a picture frame...although at night if you want to be all cozied in you could draw them and let the shades down and have complete privacy. The windows look great just as they are and repeating the linen on the doorway instead might still accomplish all of your goals.

I don't sew, so each option sounds overwhelming to me, and I agree about skimpy-looking curtains. I would vote For Option 2. Or, what if you made a sash (swag?) and loosely draped it? Too much of a clash? I am sure you will make the best decision and teach us something new in the process. xo,

I would place one panel on the outside of each window. Live with it for awhile & see if you need to 'bulk them up' a bit. If so, I would add a border to coordinate with your lamp shade by the sink. BUT, you are the only one that will know what works. And keep the blinds, for sure. So, before I cut anything, I would try different combinations to see if you can save yourself some cutting & sewing. I have to live with something for a bit to see how I really like it. Good luck!!

I think you have three good possibilities.#1.) I love the idea of putting one panel on each window (each panel hanging next to the two shutters). I think this would look great because you have a door between the two windows.#2.)Cutting panels in half (length wise). To check out this idea, pin each panel in half (lengthwise) and pin to curtain rod to see if you like the look.#3.) Make stripe curtains by introducing two new fabric panels to create a new curtain look.Jane

#1!! Your room looks fabulous just like it is! I have these same shades in a large great room. In the kitchen area, they are without extra window treatments, but in the living room, I added some yellow buffalo checked drapes with some fringe (very French Country), and I love it like this. So often people do too much and their house begins to look cluttered. The eye needs a rest sometimes and I think you've got the balance you need already. Use the extra drape panels to make a table runner or table cloth and you'll tie in the fabric that way on special occasions.

Cut the ones you have in half.. see if you like it.. then if you don't order a contrast color.. if you try to match it it might be just a tad off and then the drama of two toned won't be as dramatic.... I would not try to make stripes, I would add a band top sides and bottom in the contrast.. ooh lots of work ahead of you. now a question for you.. I have an east facing window. I have art on the opposite wall. do the blinds keep out enough of the sunlight to keep your pictures from fading? I love the blinds.. keep them at all costs!what if you just hung one panel up on the outside of one window? and kind of do a pull back look? good luck. i can't wait to see how you conquer this challenge.. I know it will be beautiful. xo marlis

IMHO I would wait to see how I like the family room with the blinds AND the panels before I invest any further in a look I may end up not liking. I would also consider doing nothing with the eating area except what you have. With the small table in front of the window and what you have on the wall adjacent to the window it might be a bit busy. Or you could make those panels into valences.

OR you could use one panel on the kitchen side of the window by the kitchen, and one panel on the family room side of the window by the family room. Since it is a sort of bowed out area, it might just give it the softness you need and be panels for that whole area as if it were a three=part window.

Have fun! It reminds me a bit of my fireplace dilemma/challenge! Eventually I knew what to do!

Please don't cut them in half! It WILL look skimpy and bother you every time you look at them. I finally redid my curtains in my kitchen/keeping room. 90 yards of fabric and I LOVE them! I don't miss the cash when I look at my beautiful room with all matching curtains. I found the curtains I loved at Curtain Exchange. At $995.00 for 2 panels, I decided to find the fabric... and guess what, I found it for $8.00 a yard online. You can do it. You won't regret it! xo, Emily

I'm with Sandy also...You love those drapes, you can make them work. By placing one drape on each window and drawing them to the outside. Your kitchen is very attractive. Use some kind of fun vintage drawback, that will make an addditional statement. I personal love the blinds it makes country a bit modern, but suttle. Best of Luck. Look forward to see what you do:)

Yvonne I love your rattan shades and I love the look they add to a window with panels. I hear ya on not wanting them to look skimpy but, I think it would work if you cut them in half and hung them with clips. Try folding a panel in half and hang it to see how it looks before you cut them. Martina

Hi Yvonne, Don't cut the curtains.Don't undue what you've done,install the blinds in the other room,add a blind to the door,and hang the curtains you have,then pull them off to each side,one left,one right.You could even use a tieback if you want.There is continuity in this approach,and the curtains won't get in the way of the door traffic.Only after you do what you intended and see it should you consider buying more/different curtains. By the way I added a curtain to my windowed front door,and it's pulled to one side and I love it. jd

Don't Cut Them.... You will regret it!You have done a great job so far!! If it was me, I would place each panel on one side of the window and would place a sheer or the blind on the door. If it looks a little bland so to speak...I would look for material that matches your lamp shade in the kitchen and a black trim and place that along one side of the drapes to "dress them up" and would carry that to the other room. No tie backs! Just let them hang love!! Let us know what you decide to do.Andrea

I think you could try putting one outside of each windown to frame the area. I agree a set for each may be too much. I love the way the curtains look dressy but casual at the same time. The mini rods is a perfect idea to keep them on the side and not cover your shades. DON'T cut them in half. I did that for my Mom on her windows that are bay it looked Skimpy! Not pretty at all.

Yvonne, I've been thinking about this dilemma. If it were me, I would kind of drape the panel over each of the rods, starting near the door & then have the rest of the panel come down the outside of each window. This way you could still have the the continuity of the same fabric, but a slightly different look for the breakfast area. I can't wait to see what you do. We all love our homes & want to make them the most attractive & cozy as possible!!

I had this same window and door arrangement once. Curtains on the door don't work unless you have them fastened top and bottom, otherwise they want to go outside with you when you open the door. You don't have much room either side of the window for the curtains to clear the window and have room to stack. I would consider one panel on each window...pull them over the window to close when you want and draw them back to the left or right of the window. Otherwise- do they made these curtains in a white? You have all the white trim and cupboards, that would be a way of tying into that color.

Have been gone all day so justb seeing this. Having been in this room and seeing those GORGEOUS shutters I am afraid that panels might hide the shutters or take away from them somewhat. I would take one from the family room and "try it on" at one of the windows in the eating area to see. I would NOT tie them back. I might just make valances and call it a day. BUT, YOU ahve to be happy. I know it will drive you crazy if you do soemthing you hate:):) I am studying the pics a little more and if I come up with sometyhing I will tell you. XOXO, P

What about cutting it and making just valances? This could bring the fabric together in all the windows, I don't think you need full draperies with the rattan blinds you have already! Beautiful dining area, I love it! Thank you for visiting and leaving me such a sweet and generous comment, my friend. Lots of hugs, FABBY

you are so funny....okay: so here's my humble two cents....if you use the blinds for light filtering, then just keep the two panels (one on each window) swagged to the side......it would look fine!! or use the material for a new tablecloth, seat covers, napkins....etc

can't wait to see what you do! looks like you got a lot of advice- so nice - xo+blessings,Anne Marie

First of all, how does one get their cat to pose in such an adorable position in front of the door like that in order to complete the homey feel you always convey? You amaze me! Although I imagine you'll just say that it just happened this way...

I think I would go with option one. Cut the drapes in half and hang them from the rods with rings and hooks. I did the same thing with my dining room drapes when we moved to our new home. I'd just made three panels of my fancy dancy drapes at our old home and only gotten to use them a couple of years. So there was no way I was going to ditch them. But I had to hung all over for more of the same fabric and lucked out, even at a bargain price. Still I had the dilemma of making my puddle length drapes work in my new space. I no longer had traditional windows like you have in your dining room. Now in a southwestern style house I had a square window in the front and a wide but very narrow one on the other wall -- like two feet tall and eye level! Still I used my puddle length drapes on either side of each window and I love it!

I don't think your drapes are going to look skimpy as they frame your window because they are rich in color and texture. I think that will make up for the lack of fabric. It does in my dining room. But as others have said, if this doesn't work you can still add a complimentary fabric around the edges or as a stripe.

Good luck! Your drapes are beautiful. By the way. I like the rattan too. Disregard the other opinions. Once again, they add texture and a homey feel, as well as keep down the glare of the sun.

Wow! You asked for help and all your friends have shown up to help! I had to add my two cents worth. My first thought was to buy white panels in a similar weave to the ones you have, cut your existing panels and add a large band across the bottom. I suggest white simply because it would work well with you white trim. BUT...I really like the stripe idea you mentioned. I think this would be a great solution. I've tried to use half width panels and I've never been happy. They really are too skimpy.Good luck with your dilemma! I know you will come up with just the right solution for you! Everything's looking beautiful!

Cut the panels in half, that is the best way....hang them on the rods the same as the family room ones without rings, etc. There is not much wall space between the windows and the door to accomadate full panels any way, it would be crowded and cover up the windows too much....leave the blinds, they are wonderful!!! You could also put one panel on each window and tie it back, each facing the door. What beautiful rooms!!! hugs...cleo

You've gotten lots of good ideas Yvonne, so you don't really need my 2 cents worth ~ but ~ here it is anyway!I like the idea of hanging a panel on each side and just living with it for awhile to see how you like it. It does seem like you would lose a lot of window with a curtain on each side, and cutting them would look skimpy, I think. {and there is no return from that} I also wonder if it would be in the way to have a panel so close to your door on both sides?

Your room is looking lovely and I am confident you will make the best decision. Sue

Cut the pannels in half length wise, then find some fabric that goes with the rest of the rooms. Cut strips of the fabric that are a little longer than the pannels, the pannels but not as wide. Hem the fabric strips at the top and the bottom then sew the strips to the cut edge of the pannels. Hang with ring clips.

First, I think that if you're even asking the question about whether or not splitting the panels would give a 'skimpy' result...you already know the answer. You'd never be happy with skimpy...you've done too good a job on everything else. I keep wondering if there is enough length to cut them half way down for cafe curtains on rings. It would carry your fabric into the dining area...it wouldn't be too much with the shades...just thinking out loud. I know that whatever you choose will be wonderful. Thanks for letting us play. Cherry Kay

Hi there, I would consider making roman blinds to go over the top of the rattan blind. Or having just roman blinds. Use the material from the curtains that you have brought for the blinds. Just a sugestion!! Good luck with whatever you choose!

I do not see why you couldn't make a valance and mount it over the shades...it's done all the time. Another option would be to make short cafe curtains on rings and have them pulled apart to let in the light. I would scallop the top where the rings attach the way it's often done with lace. Or just don't use them at all. I like the look of the shades by themselves. I would not buy more and seam them together. That's my thoughts. BTW, the white font does to show up in an email reader..just an fyi.Good luck

What about using a padded cornice from below your crown moulding and just covering the top of the window frame in black check fabric to match your shade. Then you could use either 4-5 black or black/tan antique (or reproduction)drawer pulls that would screw into the cornice on just one side of the cornice and hang your drapery panel with a black or black/tan loop over the drawer pull. Your drapes would puddle a little on the floor or if you don't care for that look you could hem the drapes. Your shades would still look great! This would coordinate both rooms but give you a different look in the kitchen but using the same drapery fabric. This would "solve" your "skimpy" concern and make it look like it was meant to be like this!! I have this on a small window in my office and it doesn't block the light from the window and yet gives it a classy look!

I couldn't resist. Keep the blinds..love them. Use1 panel at each window with a coordinating band of fabric sewn at the inside vertical edge and bottom of each panel and swag to each side of window with a cute tassel. I would use a black & oatmeal toile or check pattern. If you think it blocks your view then I would purchase fabric in the toile or check fabric and make non operating pinch pleat panels on rings and use the oatmeal linen to cover buttons and sew at each pleat.

I would hang one panel on the outside of each window furthest from the door. It seems that the panels would be too close to the door anyway....not enough wall space to stack them on. Use a l/2 rod that matches the FR I love the blinds. A black band on each would tie in with your black checked light fixture in the kitchen and yet you still have your oatmeal color to blend with the FR. Good luck....can't wait to see what you go with. BTW....a friend has l/2 window silk drapes over the same type of blinds and it looks great. I don't think they need to go clear across the window.

I like the idea of putting one panel on each window to frame the whole area. (I've got a large window on either side of my double french doors and that's what I did) But how about putting a border with a checked fabric or print fabric (I like the idea of the checked) matching the lampshade over the sink. If you bought a checked curtain panel, hang it up next to your panel to see how you like it. Do it on the outside and then on the inside to see how you like it. If you don't like it, you can always return them.If you buy fabric, before doing anything with the fabric, attach it to the rod with safety pins or something temporary. Do it on the inside, outside, across the top or even on the bottom before doing anything with the fabric.Living with it for a while is a good idea before doing something permanent. Good luck!

Yvonne, First, thank you for the 'virtual hug!' I needed it! Second week has gotten much better! You may have already resolved the curtain issue. I didn't read other responses, but what about faux roman shades? I hired a wonderful decorator from Charlotte, NC and she wanted to put the little rattan blinds under the faux roman shades. I loved the look, but we were sticking to a budget and only hung the roman shades. I had seen her work and thought it was beautiful. If I can find a link to her site, I will send it! Good luck! And what a great idea to ask in blogland! I will remember this instead of hiring someone!! Love to you! Christie

I have not read all of the comments, so this may be a repeat. What about playing off the floor covering and adding a wide black banding to the half panels to add fullness while looking like this is part of the design? It still plays off the other room while setting the breakfast area a bit apart.

Been thinking about this all day. lol I would purchase the other set in the best color match. Sew a flounce on top of all of them in a fabric that would mix with your color palette. A good 12- 14 inches added to the top of each panel so it would overhang and look like a very relaxed ruffle. Hang them with clips on rods. The coordinating fabric would tie them together and negate much of any difference in color.

Hi Yvonne...Love the room and agree it needs some fabric to soften and enrich room,,,Iwould cut tham in half the you would have four pieces...make rod pocket in the cut off pieces...now you have four short panels (make sure they are the same length...then select fabric for the bottom half of panels so they would come to the floor...you could use white or black or a pattern that is pale in color...I notice Candice on Devine Design uses this technique alot...hope that helps...enjoy your blog...Phyllis

Have you tried looking for two more panels in your color on E Bay or even try a Google Shopping search. I have found the most impossible things this way. Finding two more panels would be the perfect solution. Good luck. :-)

Yvonne, I did not read all the comments, so I don't know if thiswas suggested. How about cuttingthe panels lengthwise? You wouldnot be able to close them, however,you would get the look of full drapes. Your home is so beautiful!

You have a lot of suggestion not awake enough to read all of them..hahaMy Mom and I have been designing drapery testaments for over 25 years...and cutting the panel in half would be fine. When we just want a stationary side panel made we gather it up to 18" wide..that is standard a practice for us:) Have a wonderful weekend...your kitchen is very pretty!!

OMYGOSH...I know JUST what I would do...may not be your style, tho.I just saw the most darling awnings on a blog...I am trying to remember which one..They came out over the blinds and looked sooo good.If I can find it, I'll let you know.

Finally found it...http://musingsfromafrenchcottage.blogspot.com/This is SO cute and seems to me that it is tailored enuf to really look great over your pretty blinds. Not sure you are interested at all but just wanted you to see them. :))I know whatever you put on your windows, will be beautiful.xo bj

Why not put out an APB to all of our blogger friends to see if anyone has the extra panels you need? As you, I imagine SOMEONE has purchased the discontinued drapes and decided they liked something else better or decided not to use them for some other reason. Unfortunately, I do not have any, but surely someone in blogland does. If I were you, I would certainly give it a try. You have nothing to lose by putting out the word!!

I wish you the best and I LOVE reading your blog and learning from your ideas.bargainmom10